exclude

verb

ex·​clude ik-ˈsklüd 

excluded; excluding

transitive verb

1

a

: to prevent or restrict the entrance of

b

: to bar from participation, consideration, or inclusion

2

: to expel or bar especially from a place or position previously occupied

excluder noun

Synonyms of exclude

• eliminate
• ban
• prohibit
• prevent
• bar

Examples of exclude in a Sentence

You can share files with some people on the network while excluding others.

The prices on the menu exclude tax.

Recent Examples on the Web

Employers are hiring at their slowest pace in more than 10 years, excluding the pandemic. — Greg Iacurci, CNBC, 10 July 2026

Historically, farms with year-round needs such as dairies have been excluded from the program. — Ximena Bustillo, NPR, 10 July 2026

Typically, if Congress is in session, a bill can become law 10 days—excluding Sundays—after it is presented to the President, even if the President doesn’t put their signature on it. — Chantelle Lee, Time, 10 July 2026

Sony Pictures Classics has acquired North American, Southeast Asian and worldwide Airline rights (excluding France) to Javier Bardem and Penelope Cruz drama-thriller Bunker. — Jesse Whittock, Deadline, 10 July 2026

Word History

Etymology

Middle English, from Latin excludere, from ex- + claudere to close — more at close entry 1

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Rhymes for exclude

• accrued
• allude
• collude
• conclude
• construed
• debuted
• delude
• elude
• endued
• ensued
• eschewed
• etude

Kids Definition

exclude

verb

ex·​clude iks-ˈklüd 

excluded; excluding

: to shut or keep out

excludable

-ˈklüd-ə-bəl

adjective

exclusion

-ˈklü-zhən

noun

Legal Definition

exclude

transitive verb

ex·​clude ik-ˈsklüd 

excluded; excluding

1

: to prevent or restrict the entry or admission of

exclude hearsay evidence

2

: to remove from participation, consideration, or inclusion (as in insurance coverage)